Convertible Activity Mat

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a protective table covering that is convertible to a carrying bag or tote.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application number 61/920,583, filed Dec. 24, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is generally related to an activity mat that is convertible to a carrying bag. The activity mat may be used, for example, as a protective covering on a kitchen table or coffee table to protect furniture from damage from children's arts and crafts and toys.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a novel combination of activity mat and carrying bag. When opened (that is, when in the activity mat configuration), it comprises a first play or activity surface and a second surface that faces and protects an item of furniture. In some embodiments, the first surface may be a waterproof material such as vinyl, vinyl coated nylon, coated woven polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester, coated canvas, etc. In some embodiments, the second surface may be a non-slip surface made from a material such as grip neoprene, PVC coated polyester, or a rubberized grip coating used in printed applications. In other embodiments, the mat has a thin polypropylene sheet between the first and second surfaces that helps the panels hold their shape.

The first and second surfaces may be connected together by a continuous binding strip such as a nylon edge binding material and/or intermediate stitching. In other embodiments the first and second surfaces are connected using a combination of a binding strip and wrap stitching.

A variety of colors can be used for the first and second surfaces such as any of the primary colors and variations thereof

In one embodiment of the invention, the activity mat is a tri-fold mat that folds into a carrying bag. In another embodiment of the invention, the activity mat has a channel that runs lengthwise down the center of the mat to create a slight bottom when the mat is folded into the closed (that is, carrying bag) configuration. The bottom allows the folded configuration to stand upright more easily.

In some embodiments, the activity mat is a substantially planar mat having at least three fold lines, the mat having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface comprises a liquid impervious layer and the second layer comprises a non-slip material. The mat may have a first edge and second edge wherein the first edge is the same length as the second edge, and a third edge and a fourth edge wherein the third edge and fourth edge are the same length, and wherein the length of the third and fourth edges is greater than the length of the first and second edges, and wherein the mat comprises a first handle on the third edge and a second handle on the fourth edge. The first edge is adapted to be folded inward along a first latitudinal fold line and the second edge is adapted to be folded inward along a second latitudinal fold line. The third edge is adapted to be folded upward toward the fourth edge along a longitudinal fold line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the folded activity mat.

FIG. 2 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the unfolded activity mat.

FIGS. 3-5 are top views of the unfolded activity mat without a center channel.

FIG. 6 is a view of the underside of the activity mat.

FIG. 7A is a top side view of the unfolded activity mat. FIG. 7B is a left side view of the unfolded activity mat. FIG. 7C is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the unfolded activity mat.

FIGS. 8-10 are plan views of the unfolded activity mat with a center channel.

FIG. 11 is a view of the underside of the activity mat with a center channel.

FIG. 12A is a top side view of the unfolded activity mat. FIG. 12B is a left side view of the unfolded activity mat. FIG. 12C is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the unfolded activity mat with a center channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, an activity mat 1 is formed of a first waterproof surface 2 and a second non-slip surface 3. First surface 2 may be a waterproof material such as vinyl, vinyl coated nylon, coated woven polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester, coated canvas, etc. Second surface 3 may be a non-slip surface made from a material such as grip neoprene, PVC coated polyester, or a rubberized grip coating used in printed applications. In some embodiments, a thin plastic sheet (not shown), such as a polypropylene sheet, is sandwiched between first surface 2 and second surface 3. The mat should be sufficiently flexible so as to be foldable completely upon itself in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

Activity mat 1 has two longitudinal edges 20 about 45-54 inches long and two latitudinal edges 30 about 20-30 inches long. Secured centrally to each longitudinal edge 20 is a loop or handle 4 of a flexible material such as nylon webbing. The handles 4 are secured to the mat 1 in a conventional manner, such as by being sewn thereto with a thread or being secured thereto by an adhesive.

The mat 1 is foldable along a series of latitudinal fold lines 9 and longitudinal fold lines 8. In use in certain aspects, mat 1 is folded first along the latitudinal fold lines 9 and then along the longitudinal fold line(s) 8 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. Fold lines 8 and 9 can be defined in the mat 1 for example by stitching or other means known in the art. Fold lines 9 are parallel to each other and to edge 30 and are separated from each other by about 10 to 15 inches and are separated from latitudinal edge 30 by about the same distance. In other words, fold lines 9 create three panels of substantially equal width. For example, longitudinal edge 20 may be about 48 inches long, and fold lines 9 may be separated from each other by about 16 inches with each fold line 9 being about 16 inches from latitudinal edge 30.

Longitudinal fold line 8 may be centrally located as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the activity mat 1 can contain two substantially centrally located longitudinal fold lines 8 separated from each other by about 1-2 inches as shown in FIG. 8.

Surrounding the perimeter of the activity mat 1 is a binding 7, which holds together the various layers of activity mat 1 (e.g., first surface 2 and second surface 3). Binding 7 may be a nylon edge binding material, a wrap, stitching, or other means of securing first surface 2 to second surface 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, handles 4 may have D-rings 5 and securing mechanisms 6. D-rings 5 may be used to attach a messenger-style bag strap when the activity mat is in its folded position. Securing mechanism 6 may be magnetic snaps, Velcro, parachute type straps, etc. and function to secure the handles 4 to each other when the activity mat 1 is in its folded position, thereby retaining activity mat 1 in its folded configuration. In some embodiments, the securing mechanisms are attached to the first surface 2 or second surface 3 instead of, or in addition to, the handles 4.

Another example of a securing mechanism is shown in FIG. 8. Centered between one of the handles 4 is a flap 10. Flap 10 is about 6-10 inches long longitudinally and about 4-6 inches long latitudinally. When the activity mat 1 is in its folded position, flap 10 serves as a securing mechanism and folds over the folded activity mat 1. In some embodiments, flap 10 comprises at least one Velcro strip 11 with at least one complementary Velcro strip (not shown) on the outer surface 3 positioned so that the Velcro strips align with each other when the activity mat 1 is in its folded position. In other embodiments, magnetic snaps, buttons, parachute type snaps or other known fasteners can be used.

When in its folded position, a user may place items in the activity mat 1 such as storage pouches, toys, art supplies, etc.

It is generally known in the art of carrying bags and tote bags that straps such as those illustrated in the figures may extend over the shoulder of the wearer. In some embodiments, the straps are shorter and appropriate for being hand-carried.

The inner and outer surfaces of the activity mat may be covered with or include on a portion thereof a decorative material (not shown) and/or identifying a logo or theme (not shown) such as Disney World, Barbie, or other commercialized children's products.

The activity mat may be constructed to be machine washable for easy clean up.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An activity mat convertible into a carrying bag comprising: a substantially planar mat having at least three fold lines, the mat having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface comprises a liquid impervious layer and the second layer comprises a non-slip material.
 2. The mat of claim 1, wherein the planar mat has a first edge and second edge wherein the first edge is the same length as the second edge, and a third edge and a fourth edge wherein the third edge and fourth edge are the same length, and wherein the length of the third and fourth edges is greater than the length of the first and second edges, and wherein the mat comprises a first handle on the third edge and a second handle on the fourth edge.
 3. The mat of claim 2, wherein the first edge is adapted to be folded inward along a first latitudinal fold line and the second edge is adapted to be folded inward along a second latitudinal fold line.
 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the third edge is adapted to be folded upward toward the fourth edge along a longitudinal fold line. 